“Engaging with youth, and giving them the tools to succeed, has been shown to have a significant impact on their future outcomes,” Walsh said. “Expanding the number of Violence Interrupters in Boston’s communities through a coordinated effort will make our neighborhoods stronger and safer."

The formal announcement of the plan came Saturday during a forum for the My Brother's Keeper Initiative, an effort created by President Obama to promote positive outcomes for boys and men.

Through the effort, city officials hope to create an integrated strategy for all neighborhoods, with a focus on the top 45 gangs in Boston.

The citywide plan builds upon the Boston Centers for Youth and Families’ Violence Interrupters program and the Boston Foundation’s StreetSafe Boston Initiative, according to Boston Foundation President and CEO Paul Grogan.

“The ability of philanthropy to provide fresh approaches to tackling chronic urban problems is at the very core of the Foundation’s mission, and I am so pleased that the StreetSafe model will be incorporated into a comprehensive public safety plan for the City of Boston, and I look forward to continuing our partnership with Mayor Walsh,” Grogan said.

The funding will allow the Violence Interrupters to expand to a fully-staffed program, providing each of Boston's 19 housing developments with a representative from the Violence Interrupters.

During the forum, Walsh took an opportunity to comment on the ongoing protests in Boston and around the country decrying police brutality.

"We've been watching the news for the past two weeks, we've seen a lot of protests around the country," Walsh said. "It's time to start talking and it's time to start acting."

My Brothers Keeper started in Boston in September, and Saturday's event had been planned for weeks, but Walsh felt it was an opportunity to address the frustration related to the police-involved deaths of black men in Ferguson and New York City.

"For the people out there who feel their voice hasn't been heard, you say my voice hasn't been heard, today is a chance for your voice to be heard," Walsh said.